How to Build an Erupting Volcano
Have fun and make a mess, all in the name of science.
Up next in How to Do Fun Tech & Science Projects (52 videos)
Teach your children technical skills and science in fun ways with the tech and science projects in this Howcast video series.
You Will Need
- 6 c. flour
- 2 c. salt
- 1 c. water
- Small plastic bottle
- Baking sheet
- Acrylic paint
- Paint brushes
- 1/2 c. vinegar
- 1 tsp. red food coloring
- Dishwashing detergent
- Tissue
- 3-4 tbsp. baking soda
- Cardboard (optional)
- Glue (optional)
- Toy trees (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Make clay
Make homemade clay by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl, and then adding water until the mixture is smooth in consistency.
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Step 2
Center bottle
Center the bottle on the baking sheet.
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Cut a piece of cardboard so it fits in the baking pan, and glue the bottle to it. You can paint this cardboard to match the volcano.
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Step 3
Shape volcano
Shape the clay around the bottle to make it look like a volcano. Start at the bottom, creating a wide base, and work toward the top. Make sure to leave the mouth open.
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Step 4
Paint the volcano
Paint the volcano with the acrylic paint to make it look more realistic.
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Decorate the base of the volcano with toy trees to add more life.
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Step 5
Add liquids
Pour the vinegar, red food coloring, and a few drops of dishwashing detergent into the bottle.
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Step 6
Add baking soda
Fold the baking soda into a tissue and drop it into the bottle, and watch in wonder as your volcano erupts.
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Did you know? When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, the eruption caused the mountain’s elevation to drop 1,314 feet.
